Method for preparing graphite containing carbon

Abstract

Graphite-containing carbon is prepared by subjecting carbon to the steps of (1) an initial heat treatment in an inert atmosphere, (2) an oxidation stage and (3) a further heat treatment in an inert atmosphere.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for the preparation of a graphite-containing carbon having (1) a basal plane surface area of at least 100 m 2  /g; (2) a ratio of BET surface area to basal plane surface area of not more than 5:1; and (3) a ratio of basal plane surface area to edge surface area of at least 5:1, which method comprises treating a high surface area carbon having a BET surface area of at least 500 m 2  /g to the steps of (1) an initial heat treatment in an inert atmosphere at a temperature between 900° C and 3300° C; (2) oxidation stage by heating in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature between 300° and 1200° C; and (3) a further heat treatment in an inert atmosphere at a temperature between 1000° C and 3000° C. 
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the oxidation stage is carried out in an atmosphere of air at a temperature in the range 300°-450° C. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claims 1 wherein the oxidation stage is carried out in an atmosphere of steam or carbon dioxide at a temperature in the range 800°-1200° C. 
     
     
       4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the third stage is carried out at a temperature between 1000° and 2000° C. 
     
     
       5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the basal plane surface area is in the range 150 to 1000 m 2  /g. 
     
     
       6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of the basal plane surface area to the edge surface area is greater than 10:1. 
     
     
       7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of the basal plane surface area to the edge surface area is greater than 300:1. 
     
     
       8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the high surface area carbon initially has a BET surface area up to 3000 m 2  /g.